UAE’s tourism sector achieved record growth in 2024 with rising visitors, spending, and infrastructure expansion/Image: WAM
According to the Emirates News Agency, the UAE marks World Tourism Day on September 27, the country stands at the forefront of global tourism, reporting unprecedented growth in visitor numbers, economic contribution, infrastructure, and international recognition. The sector’s performance reflects a strategic national push backed by large-scale investments, innovative campaigns, and a robust vision for the future.
UAE tourism achieves global milestones in 2024 and 2025
The UAE continues to strengthen its global position in the tourism industry, achieving major benchmarks that reflect its status as a leading destination for international travellers, investors, and event organisers. According to statements made to Emirates News Agency by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, the country’s tourism sector has entered a new phase of excellence and global recognition.Among the key highlights:
- The UAE has been ranked among the top seven global destinations for international tourist spending.
- The country leads in several international travel and aviation competitiveness indicators, including a top spot for the Quality of Air Transport Infrastructure.
- In a landmark achievement, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais was elected as the first Emirati Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organisation, set to serve the 2026–2029 term.
These milestones follow the successful implementation of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to increase the sector’s GDP contribution, attract investments, and boost visitor numbers across the country.
UAE’s travel infrastructure expands with mega projects
The UAE’s commitment to aviation and travel infrastructure continues to scale, most notably with the development of Al Maktoum International Airport. Approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the new passenger terminal at the airport is set to become the largest in the world, with a final capacity of 260 million passengers. The total investment for the project stands at AED128 billion.Additional transport and airport performance highlights:
- Total airport passenger traffic (2015–2024): Over 1 billion.
- Aircraft movements (arrivals and departures): More than 6.4 million during the same period.
- International visitor growth: From approximately 15 million in 2014 to over 29 million in 2024.
- In the first eight months of 2025, UAE airports handled 102.9 million passengers, up 5.3 percent from 97.9 million in the same period in 2024.
- Projected total passenger traffic for 2025 is 160 million, driven by airport expansions and the introduction of new flight routes.
UAE tourism drives economic growth through record spending and hotel revenues
The economic contribution of the tourism sector has surged, supported by increased visitor spending, robust hotel performance, and domestic travel activity.
- Tourism’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP in 2024: AED257.3 billion, or 13% of the national economy.
- This marks a 3.2% increase over 2023 and a 26% rise over pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
- International visitor spending in 2024: AED217.3 billion, up 5.8% from 2023 and 30.4% from 2019.
- Domestic tourism spending in 2024: AED57.6 billion, a 2.4% increase from 2023 and 41% higher than in 2019.
Hotel sector performance in 2024:
- Revenue: Nearly AED45 billion.
- Occupancy rate: 78%, among the highest globally.
- Hotel guests: Approximately 30.75 million, up 9.5% from 28.08 million in 2023.
- This meets 77% of the national target of 40 million annual guests.
In H1 2025, hotel revenue surpassed AED26 billion, a 6.3% increase over the same period in 2024. More than 16 million guests stayed at UAE hotels in the first half of 2025, a 5.5% year-on-year growth.
- The UAE now has 1,243 hotel establishments offering more than 216,000 rooms.
- Sixteen new hotels were launched in 2024.
- Projected hotel guest numbers for 2025: 33 million.
- Expected hotel revenue growth in 2025: 7%, surpassing 2024’s AED45 billion.
UAE campaigns and international partnerships expand tourism footprint
The UAE’s tourism success is also credited to its strategic promotional efforts and international outreach. The “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign, now in its fifth edition, has been a particularly strong contributor.Campaign outcomes over five editions:
- Total hotel revenues: AED6.7 billion.
- First edition revenue: AED1 billion.
- Fifth edition revenue: AED1.9 billion.
- Total reach: Over 1.2 billion people globally.
- Noted 90% growth in hotel revenues attributed to the campaign.
The campaign has showcased the country’s unique landscapes, heritage, and hospitality to both regional and global audiences, effectively turning natural and cultural assets into strong tourism draws.In terms of international engagement, the UAE is preparing to host the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit on 27 October 2025 in Dubai, as part of the Future Hospitality Summit. The summit will gather tourism ministers and senior officials from 53 African countries, further positioning the UAE as a leading partner for tourism investment across emerging markets.Additionally, tourism investments in the UAE reached AED28.8 billion in 2023, rising to AED32.2 billion in 2024, with projections pointing to AED35.2 billion in 2025. Go to Source
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